Tribute to Lenni Augustine
Tribute to Lenni Augustine
by
Sean Cosgrove
Lenni came into my life at a dark time in my life
Coming from a toxic and abusive environment
Home did not feel warm or welcome
I was at a crossroads when I came to Open School
I spent the first year in a different advisory
At the time I really didn’t feel like I was seen or that I belonged anywhere
I had transferred back to Open after a 3 month stint at a more traditional school
I hated it. It was too rigid and too cold.
When I transferred back to Open
I wanted to be in Lenni’s advisory because I saw that she was a bright light in the darkness and I really needed that at the time
I saw that smile and knew that she was a healer and that just being in her presence would be good for me
Lenni made me feel welcome
She saw the good in me and others
And she made me want to shine and show her and others that I was deep down I was a good person
Lenni always saw the person underneath the scars
That no matter where we came from we belonged just as we were
Lenni always made me feel good about myself after talking to her even if I had done wrong
and I wanted to correct that as soon as possible
I wanted to make amends and be honest about my mistakes
Lenni taught me that I could do far more with respect, compassion and kindness. Then I could ever do with self pity anger and resentment
Lenni’s heart was always in the right place
Lenni always chose respect
Lenni always chose compassion
Lenni always chose kindness
There are so many good things to say about Lenni
But mostly to me she was an amazing human being
And she helped me aspire to be a better human being.
Sean Cosgrove attended St. Paul Open School from 1981-1987, for
6th -12th grade
He is a Sound engineer at White Squirrel Bar and works at Singer Songwriter at Mammoth Moth and Guitar Player at The Johnny Sincerely Orchestra
September 27, 2025 @ 12:46 pm
Lenni was a fixture at Open School when I started my journey in 1977. If it were not for her and the rest of the amazing staff I wouldn’t have graduated. April Kohler, Lindy Felsheim, and myself Marybeth Harringer all benefitted and carried life lessons that traditional schools don’t teach. We remember her great smile and acceptance of all people who came to Open School. My 3 children went there, 2 daughters who graduated. Lenni was always there, sharing her great spirit and enthusiasm.
October 28, 2025 @ 3:34 pm
Wow what a shock I just saw this Lenni was super teachers. I new her from when I first start at open school 1974 tell I graduated in 1980 what person had lots of talks with here as a young kid. She all went had time for you.i was friends with April Kohler ,lindy Felsheim, Mary Beth, hope everyone is doing good its been years since I ever heard those names ! My name is Steve peters from the class 1980 hope ever one is doing good.